The Icelandic tech company Trackwell recently won an open tender to provide Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) services for Commonwealth commercial fisheries, issued by the Commonwealth of Australia, operating as the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). AFMA has been using VMS technology to monitor fishing boats since 1993 and the new Trackwell solution will assist in managing the activity for thousands of commercial fishing vessels to support both Commonwealth and selective state and territory fisheries agencies within the third largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the world. The Trackwell VMS will support AFMA and partner agencies to ensure continuous compliance with fisheries management regulations.

Expanding operations to the Indian and the Southern Ocean

AFMA is responsible for the efficient management of Commonwealth fishery resources on behalf of the Australian government, which monitors all fishing vessels authorised to operate in Commonwealth waters that surround the Australian continent. Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) encompasses 8.2 million square kilometres to include remote offshore territories and 2 million square kilometres of the Australian Antarctic Territory, thereby making it the third largest EEZ in the world, behind France and the United States. Through open tender procedures for the provision of a Vessel Monitoring System and on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia, AFMA awarded Trackwell the contract for the transition and continued management of Australian-flagged commercial fishing vessels utilising Trackwell’s highly advanced VMS platform.

“This was the next logical step for Trackwell as we aim to become a leading provider of vessel monitoring systems worldwide. The contract expands our operations to the Indian and Southern Oceans, further extending and strengthening our presence in the Pacific.” – Jón Ingi Björnsson, CEO of Trackwell.

For the past 20 years, Trackwell has provided Vessel Monitoring Solutions across the globe to leading countries and organisations in the field of vessel monitoring. This is, however, the first time Trackwell has moved its operations to the Indian and the Southern Oceans, having mainly operated in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to-date.

The Project

Trackwell VMS will provide AFMA with enhanced monitoring and alerting options for thousands of commercial fishing vessels required to carry an operational VMS unit. It will allow AFMA and its partner agencies (both state and federal) to continue to monitor vessel movements and use the positional data received from the system to analyse the vessels’ behaviour, for both law enforcement and resource management purposes.

“This contract is a big stepping stone for Trackwell, as it provides the opportunity to work closely with AFMA monitoring the third largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world. We are looking forward to this collaboration as we further develop our system to handle the diverse environments of the waters surrounding Australia.” – Kolbeinn Gunnarsson, Director of Trackwell Maritime

The VMS will continue to track the location of Australian-licenced fishing vessels wherever they operate. Messages will be exchanged with other state and regional fishery offices in accordance with regulations and bi-lateral agreements. Some examples of automatic monitoring tools that the VMS platform will provide AFMA include the timely reception of position reports and the detection of fishery regulation breaches.

“We selected Trackwell in this tender due to their offer of a comprehensive and price-competitive system. Our operations call for continuous development, and the Trackwell system provides the flexibility that meets our diverse requirements.” – Jeremy Thuell, VMS manager at AFMA

The system will maintain compatibility with current MTU (Mobile Transceiver Unit) hardware installed on each vessel monitored by AFMA while accommodating new MTU solutions endorsed for use by each state and territory fisheries agency. The system will also support future integration and compatibility with the FLUX (Fisheries Language for Universal Exchange) system to assist and support the distribution of fisheries-related data to e.g. regional fisheries management organisations (RFMO).

About Trackwell

Trackwell has been developing Vessel Monitoring Systems for more than 20 years, providing countries and organisations with state-of-the-art tools to manage their resources and track their vessels globally. In almost all cases, Trackwell provides the entire VMS software, technical maintenance and user-level support. The Trackwell Vessel Monitoring System currently manages the data of over fifteen thousand vessels.

]]>Trackwell participates in the fourth network meeting for project “Social Science Aspects of Fisheries for the 21st Century”https://vmsfisheries.com/trackwell-saf21-nm4/
Thu, 02 Nov 2017 14:15:08 +0000http://www.vmsfisheries.com/?p=4823Trackwell took part in the fourth network meeting for project “Social Science Aspects of Fisheries for the 21st Century” (SAF21). The meeting took place October 24-26 at CETMAR headquarters in Vigo, Spain. Once again, Trackwell participated as one of the partner organisations that provides its expertise and experience in fisheries to evaluate the PhD dissertations. The SAF21 […]

]]>Trackwell took part in the fourth network meeting for project “Social Science Aspects of Fisheries for the 21st Century” (SAF21). The meeting took place October 24-26 at CETMAR headquarters in Vigo, Spain. Once again, Trackwell participated as one of the partner organisations that provides its expertise and experience in fisheries to evaluate the PhD dissertations.

The SAF21 PhD researchers

The SAF21 programme is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions for Excellence in Science, funded under the Horizon 2020. SAF21 purposefully departs from conventional PhD training programmes, as it allows ten PhD researchers the opportunity to combine formal and informal training across a varied range of skills while working on their theses. All the researchers work on their doctorate in the field of fisheries using the latest research tools, such as simulation and participatory approaches, with an aim to inject social intelligence into the EU fisheries management systems.

At the network meeting, the researchers held presentations about the status of their research and were given feedback. Trackwell then participated in the supervisory board meeting with other members of the external advisory panel. Following the two-day meeting, the attendees took part in a workshop that focused on the links between management and governance, human and social dynamics, in addition to the participatory process in fisheries management.

Trackwell is highly anticipating the theses’ results on the various social issues facing the fisheries. The unorthodox approach of the programme, and the emphasis on transferable skills and exposure to commercial secondments, should translate to very interesting outcomes that could benefit decision makers, the fishing industry and the environment alike.

]]>Trackwell participates in the third network meeting for the project Social Science Aspects of Fisheries for the 21st Centuryhttps://vmsfisheries.com/trackwell-participates-in-the-third-network-meeting-for-saf21/
Thu, 03 Nov 2016 14:31:39 +0000http://www.vmsfisheries.com/?p=4665The third network meeting for the project Social Science Aspects of Fisheries for the 21st Century (acronym: SAF21) took place in Utrecht the 26 – 27th of October 2016 where Trackwell participated as a partner organization and an external evaluator. The SAF21 project is part of the European Training Network (ETN) in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions for excellence science, […]

The SAF21 project is part of the European Training Network (ETN) in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions for excellence science, funded under the Horizon 2020 Program. In essence SAF21 is a research project with the main objective of managing socio-ecological complex systems better. The project focuses specifically on the EU fisheries and fisheries management strategies.

SAF21 differs from conventional PhD training programs in the way the research and training program is structured. The program provides, training and networking opportunities for researchers who then use the latest research tools, such as simulation and participatory approaches, with the aim of better understanding the social issues facing the fisheries management systems in Europe.

The meeting offered Trackwell and other representatives of the partner organization the opportunity to introduce their institutions to the consortium and discuss training and research opportunities together with the PhD researchers, SAF21 supervisors. Trackwell then participated in the supervisory board meeting with other members of the external advisory panel such as the Icelandic Ocean Cluster, The Icelandic Small Boats Owner Association, The South African Association for Marine Biological Research and more.

]]>Trackwell presents Hafsyn at Iceland Fishing Expo 2016https://vmsfisheries.com/trackwell-presents-hafsyn-at-iceland-fishing-expo-2016/
Wed, 28 Sep 2016 13:58:57 +0000http://www.vmsfisheries.com/?p=4658Trackwell will be presenting its newest solution, Hafsyn, at Iceland Fishing Expo 2016, to be held in Reykjavik, Iceland on September 28th to 30th. HAFSYN is a new, comprehensive solution for the registration and reporting of fishing and on-board processing. Hafsyn offer benefits both to captains and fishing companies. Included in the solution is the Trackwell […]

Trackwell will be presenting its newest solution, Hafsyn, at Iceland Fishing Expo 2016, to be held in Reykjavik, Iceland on September 28th to 30th.

HAFSYN is a new, comprehensive solution for the registration and reporting of fishing and on-board processing. Hafsyn offer benefits both to captains and fishing companies. Included in the solution is the Trackwell Electronic Logbook, used for reporting mandatory information to fishing authorities.

The system was developed in cooperation with domestic and foreign fisheries with the aim to meet increasing demands of traceability and sustainability.

]]>Trackwell now providing vessel monitoring in the Western and Central Pacific Oceanhttps://vmsfisheries.com/trackwell-vms-in-the-pacific-ocean/
Tue, 05 Jul 2016 09:34:47 +0000http://www.vmsfisheries.com/?p=4538Trackwell has now launched its Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) for the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)

]]>Trackwell recently launched its Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) for the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). Trackwell is providing FFA and WCPFC with a new customized VMS solution, in a hosted environment. The systems offer extensive monitoring and alerting options for the 3,000 vessels reporting actively to the systems, using various types of vessel units or Mobile Transceiver Units (MTUs) and communication service providers. In addition, the FFA system receives and processes AIS data from about 2,500 vessels as a complementary data to the official VMS data. This newest implementation allows both institutions and their respective member countries, participating territories and cooperating non-members to monitor roughly 25 million square nautical miles in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean using the Trackwell VMS. The solution is hosted in Australia at the Amazon Web Services hosting center.

New generation for different needs

Trackwell Vessel Monitoring System

The newest feature of these new Trackwell systems is data and information sharing, based on regulations and agreements, allowing both FFA and WCPFC to share information and access to the system with their member countries. Furthermore, the system provides the option of tailoring the scope of information that is shared between the systems or individual countries, using an advanced data sharing mechanism that is built upon the data sharing rules of each organisation. One such example is that the members of FFA can see all their flagged vessels wherever they are and foreign vessels within their own exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The member countries can also share access to each other’s EEZs if they are authorized to do so, thereby increasing the monitoring and alerting capabilities of both parties. This feature provides the users an overview of those parts of the Pacific Ocean that they are responsible for.

“The system suits our needs well, mainly because it is specially tailored to suit the needs of all these different member states that have unique requirements. This flexibility is one of the strengths of the Trackwell VMS.“ – Ramesh Chand, Manager Vessel Monitoring System at FFA.

A leading provider of vessel monitoring solutions

Trackwell has established itself among the leading companies in the field of Vessel Monitoring and Safety at Sea. Trackwell has worked closely with its customers including Fisheries Authorities, Coast Guards and vessels owners to develop a unique solution which combines a Vessel Monitoring System and an Electronic Reporting System (ERS) for fishing authorities and fisheries, either as a cloud based service or locally hosted. The Trackwell VMS complies with international fisheries regulations and allows fisheries authorities, coastguards, navies and fishing companies to handle and monitor thousands of vessels every day, all around the world. During the last 20 years, Trackwell has worked with many of the leading countries and organizations, for example; Iceland the home market, Greece, Albania, Faroe Islands, NEAFC, NAFO, SEAFO and now FFA and WCPFC monitoring the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.

Safety at sea

“This contract is very important to Trackwell on two fronts. Firstly it gave Trackwell the opportunity to work with FFA and WCPFC and push the boundaries of our system and adapt it to the diverse environment of the Pacific Ocean. Secondly we view this contract as an important step for Trackwell to further establish the company as a leading provider of vessel monitoring systems worldwide.” – Kolbeinn Gunnarsson Director of Trackwell Maritime.

In all cases, Trackwell provides the entire software, technical support, maintenance and user level support. Trackwell’s service has become advanced, well proven and robust, loaded with automatic processing and alerting functions. The system provides its users with an intuitive and efficient interface to its functionality.

About Trackwell

Trackwell has been developing Vessel Monitoring solutions in close collaboration with its customers and partners since 1996. Trackwell´s systems provide companies with the tools to manage their resources and track their vessels globally. Today over ten thousand vessels are handled via the Trackwell Vessel Monitoring System every day.

]]>Shared Vessel Monitoring System offered by Trackwellhttps://vmsfisheries.com/shared-vessel-monitoring-system-offered-by-trackwell/
Thu, 10 Mar 2016 10:03:12 +0000http://www.vmsfisheries.com/?p=4494Trackwell is pleased to announce its new customized Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) solution where neighbouring countries, regional fisheries offices and other maritime authorities can share one VMS. The system allows for data and information sharing between any number of operational users, while still granting the countries the ability to tailor-make the scope of information and […]

]]>Trackwell is pleased to announce its new customized Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) solution where neighbouring countries, regional fisheries offices and other maritime authorities can share one VMS. The system allows for data and information sharing between any number of operational users, while still granting the countries the ability to tailor-make the scope of information and data that is shared between parties. For example, different countries can grant one another visibility access to certain zones within the EEZ (extended economy zone), increasing the monitoring and alerting capabilities of both parties, while simultaneously restricting the visibility access to other parts of the EEZ, wherever they see fit.

Along with the optional integrated Electronic Reporting System (ERS) module managing catch and activity messages for fisheries management, the new sharing solution is the latest feature of Trackwell´s state-of-the-art vessel monitoring system. The company also recently introduced the FLUX fisheries connection to its VMS/ERS. Alongside its new complementary features, the Trackwell VMS offers extensive monitoring and alerting options, including closed zone monitoring where vessel speed can be monitored for fishing versus cruising speed. The system also monitors the reception of vessel locations according to schedule, the validity of fishing licenses, and official certificates of seaworthiness. In all cases, Trackwell´s VMS provides customized solutions and technical support for a wide variety of needs.

The Trackwell vessel monitoring system handles thousands of vessels every day, and is used by fisheries authorities, coastguards and navies for surveillance, search and rescue, resource management and fisheries control around the world. The system is fully compliant with international fisheries regulations, and facilitates the exchange of information between authorities, neighbouring countries and regional fisheries offices. It can receive data from all of the major vessel device vendors and service providers, including shore based and satellite AIS. Trackwell runs its products from its European-, Australian- and North America-hosted network centres, and provides an innovative team of professionals with vast experience. For further information on the services and solutions provided by Trackwell, please visit http://www.trackwell.com/

]]>New generation of Trackwell Fisheries web interfacehttps://vmsfisheries.com/new-generation-web-interface/
Mon, 04 Jan 2016 10:58:49 +0000http://www.vmsfisheries.com/?p=4400A new generation of Trackwell Fisheries web interface is now launched, with many exciting features. Most of larger fishing companies Iceland are using the service along with several fishing companies in the North Atlantic. The new interface provides a good overview of catch, fishing trips and on board production. The system is specifically designed to […]

]]>A new generation of Trackwell Fisheries web interface is now launched, with many exciting features.

Most of larger fishing companies Iceland are using the service along with several fishing companies in the North Atlantic. The new interface provides a good overview of catch, fishing trips and on board production.

The system is specifically designed to work with all types of mobile devices, which allows users to receive real-time information directly to their smart phones.

The response of users have been very good and the system is simple to use. Key performance indicators (KPI) are easily summarized for managers and information can also be accessed on interactive maps, graphs and reports.

Trackwell Fisheries web interface

Access is controlled by username and password and our customers can assign administrator to manage the access of other employees.

]]>FLUX fisheries connection added to Trackwell VMShttps://vmsfisheries.com/flux-fisheries-connection-added-to-trackwell-vms/
Wed, 18 Nov 2015 09:45:50 +0000http://www.vmsfisheries.com/?p=4358Trackwell‘s Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) has now been extended to support the FLUX connection for VMS and Electronic Reporting System (ERS) data. FLUX* is a web service based communication protocol recently introduced by the European Union (EU) to replace the previous HTTPS based communications of messages between countries and organizations. Trackwell‘s VMS is a state […]

]]>Trackwell‘s Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) has now been extended to support the FLUX connection for VMS and Electronic Reporting System (ERS) data. FLUX* is a web service based communication protocol recently introduced by the European Union (EU) to replace the previous HTTPS based communications of messages between countries and organizations.

Trackwell‘s VMS is a state of the art vessel monitoring system which has an integrated module to handle catch and activity messages for fisheries management. It can receive data from all of the major vendors of vessel devices and providers of data, including shore based and satellite AIS.

The system is preferably provided as a fully web based service, requiring no locally hosted infrastructure except Internet connected PC workstations, running standard browsers. Installation and commissioning is provided remotely, as well as support and maintenance, 24/7/365 days of the Year. Local support can be provided through partner companies, if required.

Trackwell has been involved with Vessel Monitoring Systems since 1997. Providing solutions in the field of monitoring and managing Extended Economy Zones (EEZ) is its primary focus. Through the years, the company has served a number of countries and organizations around the World.

]]>New Electronic Reporting System (ERS) added to Trackwell’s VMShttps://vmsfisheries.com/new-electronic-reporting-system-added-to-trackwells-vms/
Fri, 27 Mar 2015 10:25:36 +0000http://www.trackwell.com/?p=3487Trackwell recently launched a new version of its ERS module into the suite of fisheries management solutions, to handle catch and activity messages originated in the electronic logbook.

]]>Trackwell recently launched a new version of its ERS module into the suite of fisheries management solutions, to handle catch and activity messages originated in the electronic logbook. Unlike most other ERS systems available today, Trackwell’s ERS can be fully integrated into its Vessel Monitoring System, as an optional module. Trackwell ERS handles all types of reports from electronic logbooks (COE, CAT/DCA, COX, TRA, POR, DEP, CON, etc.) and supports the currently most or all communications methods in use.

The ERS module is offered as an optional extension to the VMS or as a standalone system. The ERS shares all the infrastructure of the VMS platform, including vessel registry data, map interface, alert management, zone monitoring and more.

Benefits with integrated system

By integrating the systems, the customer can save significant amount of money spent on separate computer infrastructure and the complexity of external connection between ERS and VMS. The user can, in a simple way, compare ERS data with VMS data in order to find potential misreporting. The user can view received ERS reports collocated with the VMS reports stream, comparing vessel location at the time of reporting with respect to EEZ maps and fishing zones.

With a single mouse click, the user can see what amount of catch has been reported by each vessel in the current or previous fishing trips. The system calculates the reported total catch on board at each time. Built in reports allow various analyses of catch reporting, including total reported catch per zone, flag state, individual vessels over a selected time interval. Automatic monitoring of quota status for individual flag states, fishing zones, vessels, etc.

Trackwell ERS is available as a cloud based service, as is the VMS, or if preferred on locally hosted hardware.

For further description of Trackwell’s fisheries management solutions click here:

]]>Trackwell and Marsýn collaboratehttps://vmsfisheries.com/trackwell-and-marsyn-collaborate/
Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:49:25 +0000http://www.trackwell.com/?p=3375Trackwell and the Icelandic research company Marsýn have announced that they will collaborate to develop and commercialize oceanic forecast for various parameters such as temperature, salinity, wave height, a sea currents and elevation.

]]>Trackwell and the Icelandic research company Marsýn have announced that they will collaborate to develop and commercialize oceanic forecast for various parameters such as temperature, salinity, wave height, a sea currents and elevation.

Based on extensive research Marsýn ehf has constructed a marine information system for the mid north Atlantic waters, CODE which provides forecasts on ocean conditions in high resolution. Future versions will target ﬁsh aggregations.

Trackwell will offer the customers access to the data using the Trackwell Maritime web interface, where they can see several days forecasts for state of the sea.